In the United States specifically, we live in a Wild West of unregulated harmful chemicals that affect us daily. We get repeated exposure from chemicals almost everywhere. However, we do have control over one location in particular – our home. And where in our home do we have the most toxic products? No, it’s not your kitchen…it’s your bathroom! The reason why the bathroom is the most toxic location is because almost every chemical in your bathroom is designed to be used on your body. Almost everything touches your skin, and our skin, the body’s largest organ, is a sponge for chemicals – and via our skin, these chemicals easily reach our bloodstream and organs. So, let’s learn how to detox your bathroom to detox yourself.
Hair care products, toothpaste, makeup, nail polish, face and body creams, soaps, shaving cream, perfume, cologne, etc.…they all touch our skin and can be a source for toxic chemical accumulation in the body.
Our Toxic Life
One of the six major sections of Body Code is toxins. While we can energetically work to remove toxins using this modality, the best way to detox is to NOT tox.
While going into the details of all toxic chemicals used in modern cosmetics and body care products would be exhausting, the most important type of chemicals we should all avoid are endocrine disrupting chemicals, or EDCs. Our endocrine system controls our hormones – and hormones regulate all the functions of our bodies – from feeling hungry to growing a fetus. When our endocrine system and our hormones are disrupted by EDCs, our bodies receive incorrect signals and commands which can cause myriad issues including thyroid issues, breathing problems, weight gain, heart issues, type II diabetes, digestion issues, pregnancy-related issues, infertility, cancer, and the list goes on… These EDCs are so toxic that they even transfer from mother to fetus – so our babies are being born with detectable toxins in their urine and blood.
Tip 1: It Smells Too Good to Be True
One of the major problems is that the companies that make our cosmetics and body care products do not have to disclose all ingredients. This is due to horribly lacking regulation by the government and the FDA, which has no actual power, as well as the ability for corporations to legally protect “trade secrets.” That’s why we often see ingredients like “fragrance” or “parfum.” Well, what is that? Sorry, we can’t tell you…because it’s a secret.
So, that’s the first tip – no more “fragrance.” If you have any personal care product with “fragrance” listed as an ingredient, it’s probably a good idea to find an alternative. Fragrances are often the biggest offender because the manufacturer generally uses chemicals, called phthalates, to give the scent or fragrance longevity. Do you ever wonder why clothes can smell “fresh” for weeks? Phthalates, baby! Sadly, phthalates are highly toxic when accumulated in the body and are EDCs.
Tip 2: Not-so-Fantastic Plastic
Another tip is to avoid products in plastics – glass gets a pass! – if you cannot avoid plastics, at least be sure that they are not in type 3, 6, or 7 plastics. You can find the number of the plastic on the bottom of the bottle, generally within a recycling symbol. Type 3, 6, and 7 plastics are the least chemically stable and will often leach harmful chemicals and EDCs into the products they contain (use this rule for food containers, too!).
Tip 3: Transparency is Key
Thirdly, get products from responsible companies that are 100% transparent about their ingredients. We highly recommend organic (70% or higher organic ingredients), vegan, cruelty-free, plant-based, phthalate-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free products (unless it is a natural, plant-derived fragrance like an essential oil).
If you want to be extra sure, there are several apps you can use that can help you find products that are non-toxic or learn more about the toxins present in common household items.
Here are some app suggestions:
We also recommend watching “Not So Pretty,” a four-part docuseries available on Max. It goes into specific examples, the science, the problems, and the available solutions.
If you are experiencing any of the negative effects of these toxic chemicals, start detoxing your home immediately. Of course, we can work with you on an energetic level, too!
